TSUBAME
- Japan
- Est. 2001
-
Budget Luxury
TSUBAME is a Japanese scissor brand founded in 2001 in Niigata, crafted by metalworking artisans from a region with 300 years of tradition.
About TSUBAMETSUBAME is a Japanese scissor brand founded in 2001 in Tsubame, Japan, a city with roughly 300 years of traditional metal processing history. The brand was started by a group of craftsmen from this metalworking region. TSUBAME Scissors now has a U.S. presence based in El Monte, California.HeritageTsubame City...
About TSUBAME
TSUBAME is a Japanese scissor brand founded in 2001 in Tsubame, Japan, a city with roughly 300 years of traditional metal processing history. The brand was started by a group of craftsmen from this metalworking region. TSUBAME Scissors now has a U.S. presence based in El Monte, California.
Heritage
Tsubame City (in Niigata Prefecture) is one of Japan’s most recognized centers for metal craftsmanship, alongside nearby Sanjo. The area’s metalworking traditions date back approximately 300 years, and the region produces everything from kitchen knives to industrial tools. TSUBAME Scissors draws on this deep local expertise.
In 2009, the company expanded internationally, launching product lines in the United States, England, Holland, France, and China. They later added an e-commerce platform to reach stylists worldwide.
Product Range
TSUBAME produces cutting scissors and thinning scissors. Their specialties include weaving, slide cut, and slice cut techniques. The focus on slide and slice cutting suggests their blades are designed for smooth, controlled movement through the hair.
The brand is carried by its own official online store, as well as through HIEN and Hasami House in Japan. This gives stylists multiple purchasing options depending on their location.
Market Positioning
TSUBAME sits in the mid range price tier. For American stylists, the El Monte, California address means domestic ordering and support are available. The brand’s roots in one of Japan’s premier metalworking cities give it a credibility that resonates with professionals who value regional craftsmanship.
The Tsubame and Sanjo area of Niigata is home to several other scissor brands as well, so TSUBAME operates in a region where scissor making is a concentrated local industry rather than an isolated operation.
Sources
- TSUBAME official website: tsubamescissors.com
- HIEN retailer listing
- Hasami House retailer listing
Product Types
Specialties
Where to Buy
Official Brand Websites
Products
How TSUBAME Compares
| Brand | TSUBAME | Niigata | Bi Design | ROYAL MASTER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Japan | Japan | Japan | Japan |
| Price Tier | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Steel | — | — | 440C Japanese Steel, Cobalt Steel | — |
| Handles | — | — | — | — |
| Specialties | Weaving, Slide cut, Slice cut | — | — | Dry cutting, Wet cutting, Stroke cutting, Slide cutting, Chop cut, Texture control, Volume control |
| Founded | 2001 | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
TSUBAME scissors are manufactured in Japan by TSUBAME SCISSORS, established in 2001.
TSUBAME scissors are in the mid-range price tier ($150–$350). At this price point, they compete with Alu-Coba, Axis, BMC. Value depends on your cutting volume, technique preferences, and maintenance habits.
TSUBAME specializes in Weaving, Slide cut, Slice cut.
